Project management just got more accessible. 37signals, the company behind Basecamp and HEY, has made its kanban tool Fizzy completely free for everyone. This includes both the self-hosted open-source version and the cloud-hosted SaaS platform.

The Update

CEO Jason Fried announced that Fizzy is now free for all users. Previous paying subscribers will no longer be billed. The company plans to fund ongoing support through revenue from its other products like Basecamp.

Alongside the pricing change, 37signals is expanding platform support. An official command-line interface is in the works, and a native iOS app is awaiting Apple's approval. A native Android app is already available on the Google Play Store.

What Works

The move to a free model removes a significant barrier to entry for teams and individuals. Users can manage up to 1000 cards at no cost, which is substantial for many projects. The tool offers core kanban features like boards, cards, and columns effectively.

Fizzy includes useful extras like auto-close for completed tasks, public board sharing, and webhook support for automation. The new mobile apps will greatly improve accessibility for on-the-go project management, similar to the convenience offered by modern AI Agents & Assistants.

What Doesn't

While the source code is available on GitHub, it uses the O'Saasy license. This restricts commercial SaaS use to 37signals only and isn't recognized as open source by the Open Source Initiative. This limits true community-driven development and forking for commercial purposes.

The free tier's 1000-card limit, while generous, could be restrictive for very large, complex projects. Teams needing advanced enterprise features or unlimited scale might need to look elsewhere or consider other Project Management tools that integrate with project management workflows.

Verdict

Fizzy's shift to free is a major win for users seeking a straightforward, capable kanban tool without subscription fees. The combination of a web app, upcoming CLI, and native mobile apps creates a versatile package.

The licensing model is a notable caveat for developers, but for most end-users, it's irrelevant. For teams wanting a no-cost project management solution from an established company, Fizzy is now a compelling option worth trying.

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